City of Franklin Launches Main Barn Tours at The Park at Harlinsdale Farm
Franklin residents and visitors have a new opportunity to explore one of Williamson County’s most recognizable landmarks this summer. The Park at Harlinsdale Farm has launched free public tours of their historic Main Barn, giving guests a closer look at a building that has played an important role in the city’s agricultural and equestrian history.
Tours are offered every Tuesday and Thursday from 12 pm to 2 pm through the summer, continuing until just before Labor Day. The experience allows visitors to step inside the iconic barn, learn about its connection to Harlinsdale Farm, and discover how the property helped shape Franklin’s identity.
Whether you’ve admired the barn from Franklin Road for years or have never ventured inside, the tours provide a unique glimpse into one of the city’s most treasured historic sites. The program also encourages visitors to explore the surrounding park and learn more about the farm’s lasting impact on Williamson County.
Explore the Historic Main Barn
Recently restored in the summer of 2025, the Main Barn stands at the center of Harlinsdale Farm’s rich legacy. For decades, the structure served as a hub for the farm’s renowned Tennessee Walking Horse operations and helped establish the property as a nationally recognized destination within the equestrian community.
During the guided tours, guests can learn about the barn’s role in the development of the Tennessee Walking Horse industry and its connection to the Harlin family. The building remains one of the most photographed landmarks in Franklin and serves as a reminder of the area’s agricultural roots.
The City of Franklin and community volunteers are helping share the stories that have made Harlinsdale Farm a local landmark. The tours highlight both the history of the property and the preservation efforts that continue today.
Main Barn Tour Information:
- Tuesdays and Thursdays (no tours on Thursday, June 4th)
- 12 pm to 2 pm
- Free admission
- Located at The Park at Harlinsdale Farm
Tour the Historic Hayes House
Just a short walk from the Main Barn sits another important piece of Harlinsdale history. The Hayes House is also open for guided and self-guided tours every Tuesday and Thursday from 12 pm to 2 pm.
Built in 1899, the Victorian farmhouse became known as Hayes House when the Hayes family moved onto the property to help manage farm operations during Harlinsdale’s celebrated Tennessee Walking Horse era. Today, the restored home serves as a museum dedicated to preserving the stories of the people, horses, and farming traditions that shaped the property.
Friends of Franklin Parks restored the home using community donations and furnished it to reflect the 1930s and 1940s, when the Hayes family lived there. Visitors can explore period furnishings and learn about daily life on one of Williamson County’s most influential farms. Touring both the Main Barn and Hayes House provides a deeper understanding of Harlinsdale’s history and the families who helped build its legacy.
Hayes House Tour Information:
- Tuesdays and Thursdays
- 12 pm to 2 pm
- Guided and self-guided options available
- Free admission
- Located at The Park at Harlinsdale Farm
The History of Harlinsdale Farm
Harlinsdale Farm holds a special place in Tennessee history. In 1933, W.W. Harlin established the farm on what was then the northern edge of Franklin. The property quickly gained recognition within the growing Tennessee Walking Horse industry. The farm became famous through its legendary stallion, Midnight Sun (1940–1965). The horse earned distinction as the first repeat World Grand Champion Tennessee Walking Horse. His success in competition and breeding transformed the industry and elevated Harlinsdale Farm’s reputation nationwide.
Many champion Tennessee Walking Horses today can trace their lineage back to Midnight Sun. His influence remains one of the defining chapters in the history of the breed. The Harlin family continued operating the farm for decades before expressing interest in selling the 200-acre property to the City of Franklin in 2004. The family hoped the land would remain protected while honoring its equestrian heritage.
The City of Franklin purchased the property and developed a master plan focused on preservation, public access, and passive recreation. The first phase of The Park at Harlinsdale Farm opened to the public in September 2007. Today, the park serves as both a recreational destination and a living reminder of Franklin’s agricultural history.
About The Park at Harlinsdale Farm
Located at 239 Franklin Road, The Park at Harlinsdale Farm spans 200 acres of rolling countryside in the heart of Franklin. The property combines open green space, historic landmarks, and recreational amenities while preserving its connection to the Tennessee Walking Horse industry. The park welcomes residents and visitors year-round for walking, outdoor recreation, community events, and educational programs.
Park Amenities:
- 200 acres of preserved farmland
- Historic Main Barn
- Hayes House Museum
- Four-acre dog park
- Three-acre fishing pond
- Catch-and-release fishing
- Five-kilometer walking and running track
- Equestrian trails
- Public parking
- Picnic areas
- Tractor Supply Co. Arena
- Franklin Polo Academy matches and events
Another Way to Explore the History of Franklin, TN
With the addition of Main Barn tours and the continued availability of Hayes House tours, visitors have even more ways to connect with Franklin’s rich heritage. Together, these historic landmarks offer a closer look at the people, horses, and agricultural traditions that helped shape Williamson County. For residents and visitors alike, a visit to Harlinsdale Farm provides a meaningful opportunity to experience one of Franklin’s most important historic treasures firsthand.
